3D views

[gerard1938]

Originally Posted by Sumato

What I always do is...
1- save each view as a separate image, and trim off the white areas
2- rotate the views slightly (in photoshop) so they are properly aligned
3- take the official dimensions, then resample the images at a scale of 1" to 1 pixel so they are scaled properly to each other
4- then correct the drawings due to photo evidence

Like the posters above, it needs to be said that three view drawings should only be a starting point and a guideline. The most time consuming part of design work (other than making instructions) is just doing the research. I often collect over a thousand photos, drawings, flight manuals, etc for over a year before I even attempt a design effort. It's made all the harder when there are no more examples of these airframes in existence.

Thanks for your reaction. I do like to learn how 'colleagues in crime' are tackling the job.
Your method comes quite close to the way I'm doing it.
My scaling takes place the moment I've traced the most reliable 3D view from a pixel- into a vector drawing.
Though reasonably close the proportions of span and length never correspond.
How do you tackle this problem ? (in fact it hardly is since the deviations on scale are minor).

You know, Sumato, I really look forward to your steps 5 and further on.
The fuselage development in particular I think the 'nicest' part of designing a cardboard model.

[John Bowden]

Gerard,

Here's a site that might help, hope you haven't already found it.

Netherlands S2F Trackers

The plane you have is a 'A' model just dosen't have the radar pod on the top. Probably removed during the upgrade to the 'N' designation.

The first entry on this page is your Tracker, and does give a little history on the craft including the original Grumman Ser. No.

I think maybe the N designation was for Netherlands............

I'm a BIG fan of all Naval aircraft, but especially the S2F (stoof) Trader, so I look forward to your model. If I can help just let me know.

john

[gerard1938]

Thanks John. So I'll stick to the A-3d's.